The Study

Researchers conducted an eight-month study with 119 overweight, middle-aged adults. The first group performed aerobic exercise (approximately 12 miles a week of running, biking, and swimming), the second lifted weights (three sets, eight to ten reps per day of eight resistance exercises, three days per week), and the third group did both (lifting three times a week and aerobic training roughly 12 miles per week). The results found the aerobic and combo groups lost more weight and fat than the resistance-training group.In fact, the strength-training group actually gained a little weight over the course of the study.

Since diet wasn't controlled over the eight months, it's difficult to predict the results had participants eaten the same foods and amounts across groups. The groups who gradually ate less lost the most weight, suggesting part of aerobic training's advantage over resistance training could be in reducing appetite. Still, we shouldn’t toss the research aside. This isn’t the first study to compare the effectiveness of cardio versus strength training. Another study done about a year ago (with the same researchers) found similar results: Aerobic training was the best way to burn fat in the shortest amount of time Effects of aerobic vs. resistance training on visceral and liver fat stores, liver enzymes, and insulin resistance by HOMA in overweight adults from STRRIDE AT/RT.Slentz, C.A., Bateman, L.A., Willis, L.H. Div. of Cardiology, Dept. of Medicine, PO Box 3022, Duke Univ. Medical Center, Durham, NC. American Journal of Physiology -Endocrinology and Metabolism, 2011 Nov;301(5):E1033-9. doi: 10.1152/ajpendo.00291.2011. Epub 2011 Aug 16.
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Why It Matters

While there’s been a lot of talk about this study, the results actually aren’t that mind-boggling. Perhaps the biggest takeaway should be that the combo group lost weight and built lean muscle mass — rather than the aerobic group losing the most fat. Sure, when looking in the short term, science has shown aerobic training is a great way to lose a little weight. Cardio — especially quick sprints — can help burn fat, decrease the risk for cardiovascular disease, and improve psychological well-being too Evidence based exercise - Clinical benefits of high intensity interval training. Shiraey, T., Barclay, G. Australian Family Physician, 2012 Dec;41(12):960-2.Acute psychological benefits of aerobic exercise: a field study into the effects of exercise characteristics. Rendi, M., Szabo, A., Szabo, T., et al.Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary. Psychology, Health, and Medicine, 2008 Mar;13(2):180-4.
. But if burning fat is something we want to work on over time, lifting weights is important, too. An increase in muscle can amp up metabolism, not to mention boost self-esteem, increase strength, and improve sleep. And after all, the group that completed both aerobic and resistance training each week lost fat while building lean muscle mass. The bottom line? Now there’s even more evidence for something we’ve known for awhile: Exercise, whether hitting the weight room, hitting the roads, or both, is probably a good idea.

What do you think? Have you seen better results from aerobic training or resistance training? Let us know in the comments below or tweet the author @lschwech.